New streetlights in Midtown slated to increase safety

Midtown Business Assoc., SMUD set to install new lights

New streetlights will be going up around Midtown Sacramento by the end of May, thanks to the Midtown Business Association, in partnership with SMUD.

The Midtown Business Association announced Tuesday that it will install 12 new streetlights on utility poles around Midtown.

"Consistent lighting throughout Midtown will help keep our streets safe and quality of life high," said Elizabeth Studebaker, executive director of the Midtown Business Association, in a released statement. "From lighting to private security to neighborhood cleanup, the Midtown Business Association is dedicated to keeping our neighborhood safe and vibrant."

Working with various community partners over the years, the association has identified dark spots and installed 115 lights in the past two years.

The new lighting comes at a time when the Sacramento Police Department says Midtown has seen a significant increase in theft.

From January through the beginning of April of 2012, there were 35 reports of theft in the area. That number more than doubled during the same time period this year.

Police say shining a light on the situation could keep thieves away.

"If they feel like they might be witnessed creating the crime of theft, than they might think otherwise," said Doug Morse, of Sacramento police.

In 2011, the association worked with SMUD to install 17 lights in high-pedestrian areas throughout Midtown.

"You can really tell a difference," said Sig Lindley, co-owner of Thai Basil. "Our customers and staff say they have noticed improved lighting. This is a great example of the public and private sector working together to make our neighborhood even stronger."

The Midtown Business Association works with the Clean and Safe Committee to actively monitor streetlights in Midtown.

If anyone notices streetlight outages or flickering lights, the association asks that the problems be reported to Sacramento city services by calling 916-442-1500.

KCRA 3's Mallory Hoff contributed to this report.

Copyright 2013 by KCRA.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.